Had such a lovely run this morning, one of those rare times where everything comes together. Don't get many of those to the pound! Bouncing along like a baby lamb … or as lightly as someone who is 2 stone overweight can, but I felt like a baby lamb nonetheless. No staggering, stumbling, foot slapping. Breathing was light and even, without hint of a deathly gasp and completely free (thank God) of the Monica Seles style grunts that escape my mouth every few minutes. Nothing was a hard slog. Music selection changed to my total all time favs, George Michael, Morrissey and Eurythmics. I was like a pig rolling about in poo.
I think the reason was I changed my run, it was too dark to go straight to the rec as norm - not enough lighting there, so I had to hit the streets. Not something I’ve ever had the courage to do until today! The rec is my little sanctuary. But was fine, I didn’t get panicky about it, ignored the cars and early morning walkers to workers, two little dogs with lights on their collars. I even ran up my first hill, little steps, nice and slow. When I eventually got to the rec I mixed up my route instead of sticking to the plan.
Usually my run is very precise. I arrive at the rec after exactly 5 mins of warm up and one lap takes 5 mins. I do 6 and go home. I know where I am and how I am doing all the time. But my route today gave me new energy and I felt relaxed (no marker/time pressure) and free to enjoy it which resulted in ooo such a lovely run! Very odd how the slightest change can make a difference, but then, the more I do this, the more odd I realise I am! And the more I do this, the less I care how odd I am (at last)!… which is just as well… So the moral of this story is: mix it up if you want to make things easier, but it might make you a bit odd.
P.S. Mr Spaniels gave me a Brian Blessed style ‘good morrrrrrning’ today and nearly scared the cr*p out of me. Mrs Spaniels was 100 yards down the path & by the time I reached her she was miraculously on the phone with her back to me… so my 'good morning' went to her lovely dog instead.
P.P.S I even ran out of the rec, back on the streets and half way home in broad daylight! There were people and cars and everything. First time ever